Device For Coupling Two Components

ABSTRACT

A device for coupling two components ( 1, 2 ) in particular two rods or bars, with two coupling parts ( 3 ) which can in each case be arranged on those ends of the components ( 1, 2 ) which are to be coupled, and with a connection means ( 4 ) which can be brought into engagement with the coupling parts ( 3 ), is configured and developed to ensure secure coupling of components even when the prepositioning is unfavorable, such that the connection means ( 4 ) comprises at least two holding elements ( 5 ) which can be arranged against one another to engage around the coupling parts ( 3 ) and which can be fixed to one another by means of at least one clamping device ( 6 ).

The invention at hand relates to a device for coupling two components, in particular two rods or bars, with two coupling parts, each arrangeable at the ends of the components that are to be coupled, and a connecting mechanism that can be engaged with the coupling parts.

A device of the aforementioned type has been known, for example, from EP 1 034 344 B1. The known device serves to couple two threaded rods, with coupling elements in the form of nuts being arranged or, respectively, screwed onto the ends of the threaded rods. An elongated hollow block-shaped connecting element whose two front ends arranged at a distance from each other form the counter bearing for the nuts serves as the connecting element. For the coupling of the threaded rods, the threaded rods with the nuts screwed onto them are set into recesses of the connecting element in such a way that the nuts are arranged within the hollow part. By further screwing the nuts onto the threaded rods, the threaded rods, the connecting element and the nuts are braced with each other, whereby a coupling of the threaded rods or components is realized.

The problem with the known device is the fact that a secure coupling of the components to be coupled is possible only if the components or, respectively, threaded rods are in a fairly good flush position to each other prior to their coupling, If a parallel misalignment and/or an angular misalignment of the rods prior to their coupling exceeds or exceed a predetermined value, a secure coupling of the rods will no longer be possible, or only with great effort and force.

However, the practice has shown that in particular in the case of the coupling of the rods of a reinforcement cage in which many rods are to be coupled, there is frequently an irregular distance of the rods in a longitudinal direction, a misalignment of the rods in a transversal direction and/or an angular misalignment of the rods present. The known device can not be used to a satisfactory degree for the coupling of such rods of a reinforcement cage.

Therefore, it is the objective of the invention at hand to design and further develop a device for the coupling of two components in such a way that a secure coupling of components is achieved through simple construction means even if the initial positioning is unfavorable.

In accordance with the invention, this objective is met by a device having the characteristics of patent claim 1. In accordance with it, the device for the coupling of two components is designed and further developed in such a way that the connecting element is equipped with at least two retaining elements arrangeable onto each other to encompass the coupling location and fixable to each other by means of at least one clamping mechanism.

In the manner in accordance with the invention it has been recognized that the design of the connecting element with at least two retaining elements arrangeable onto each other to encompass the coupling location and fixable to each other by means of at least one clamping mechanism solves the aforementioned task in surprisingly simple fashion. By designing the connecting element with two retaining elements that can be arranged around the coupling location, a considerably larger parallel and/or angular misalignment of the components to be coupled can be compensated prior to their coupling than would be possible in the case of traditional devices. After arranging the retaining elements around the coupling location, the retaining elements can be fixed to each other in simple fashion by means of a clamping unit, whereby a coupling of the components is realized and which frequently permits a reduction of an originally existing parallel and/or angular misalignment of the components.

As a consequence, the device for the coupling of two components in accordance with the invention provides a device which realizes a secure coupling of components even in the case of an unfavorable initial positioning with simple constructive means.

In a particularly simple constructive manner, the coupling elements may have a thread to allow their being screwed onto threads provided at the ends of the components. For an arrangement of the coupling elements on the components to be coupled, the coupling elements would merely need to be screwed onto the ends of the components to a suitable extent. The coupling may then be done by encompassing the coupling elements with the retaining elements.

With regard to a secure accommodation of the coupling elements in the retaining elements, the coupling elements could essentially have a cylindrical shape with an internal thread provided in a longitudinal direction.

With regard to a secure and simple arrangement of the coupling elements at the ends of the components, the coupling elements could be formed as nuts that could be screwed onto the ends of the components in particularly simple fashion with a tool. Alternatively or supplementarily thereto, the coupling elements could be equipped with a recess for a tool.

With regard to a particularly secure accommodation of the coupling elements in the retaining elements, the retaining elements could be essentially formed as half shells with a hollow space. In this respect, the half shells could be formed in such a way that, following the assembly of the retaining elements, an essentially cylinder-shaped hollow space is formed for the coupling elements.

For a secure coupling of the components, the retaining elements could be provided at their opposite ends with an internal stopper for one coupling element each. To this end, after fixing the retaining elements in place, the coupling parts are securely accommodated within the hollow space formed by the retaining elements by means of clamping devices. An unintentional sliding out of this hollow space would be prevented by the stopper.

In particular in the case of the coupling of rods or threaded rods it is advantageous to form the retaining elements at their opposite ends with one recess each. During the alignment of the retaining elements, the rods or threaded rods could be set into the recess so that the rods or threaded rods would extend from outside of the device through the recess into the hollow space formed by the retaining elements. The coupling elements abutting the stoppers will then keep the rods or threaded rods from slipping out of the device.

With regard to a particularly secure clamping of the retaining elements to each other, the retaining elements could be equipped at their opposite ends with a surface suitable for bracing with the clamping device. In a concrete case, the surface could be angular or spherical or at least partially conically.

In a further advantageous manner, the retaining elements could be equipped with a misalignment or stopper that preferably abuts the surface. Such a preferably cascaded misalignment could create a form fitting and force fitting connection between the retaining element and the clamping device. This could assure an cohesiveness of the retaining elements formed as half shells in case the connection between the coupling element and a component loosens unintentionally, for example during a bursting of the thread of the coupling element and/or of the component. In this respect, one conic surface of one retaining element could form a virtually complete conic surface with a conic surface of the added retaining element. The conic surface could taper towards the end of the retaining element.

In order to provide a particularly secure device for the coupling of two components, a clamping device could be allocated to the retaining elements to fix the retaining elements in place against each other. This will prevent an unintentional separating of the retaining elements from each other even more securely.

In a concrete case, the clamping device could have a sleeve encompassing the retaining elements or a pin that could be stuck through passages in the retaining elements. Such a pin could be stuck through the retaining elements and be screwed together with, or braced against, the retaining elements. A common bolt with a counter nut could be used as pin.

For a further fixation of the retaining elements to each other, the clamping device could have two fixation elements that could be engaged with the ends of the retaining elements.

This could provide a secure fixation of the retaining elements to each other originating from both ends of the retaining elements.

In a constructively particularly simple manner, the fixation elements could each have an interior thread to be screwed onto the threads provided at the ends of the components. For example, in the case of a coupling of threaded rods, the fixation elements could be screwed onto the threads of the threaded rods a longer distance than the coupling elements prior to the alignment of the coupling elements. After the alignment of the coupling elements, the fixation elements could be screwed back in the direction of the ends of the threaded rods in order to fix the retaining elements in place.

For a secure fixation of the retaining elements, the fixation elements could each have a slanted or spherical or conical interior surface that could complement a conical surface of the retaining elements. Depending on the requirements, the surfaces of the retaining elements and the fixation elements lying opposite each other could accept slanted or spherical or conical shapes as long as a secure bracing between the fixation elements and the retaining elements is made possible. For example, conical surfaces could lie opposite each other. Alternatively to that, a spherical and a slanted or conical surface could lie across from each other. Any combination of conical, slanted or spherical surfaces is conceivable in this respect. During the screwing back of the fixation elements in the direction of the ends of the components of threaded rods, the surfaces of the retaining elements and fixation elements could engage with each other in such a way that a secure fixation of the retaining elements to the components will be realized.

With regard to a particularly secure coupling of the components, the fixation elements could each have a misalignment or stopper. For example, a cascading misalignment of one fixation element could engage with a complementarily formed misalignment of the retaining elements. The misalignment of stopper of the retaining elements and fixation elements would have to be formed in such a way that the bracing of the retaining elements and fixation elements against each other in an axial direction will not be impeded. Therefore, an adequate gap should be provided between the retaining elements and the fixation elements in the area of the misalignment in a radial direction of the device.

For a secure and simple coupling of the components, the fixation elements could have an engagement device for a tool. This will make a particularly simple coupling of the components possible. In this respect, in particularly simple fashion, the engagement device could have an exterior hexagonal head that can be engaged with a common wrench in order to rotate the fixation element.

The device in accordance with the invention could be especially used as a sleeve joint for rod systems. In this respect, the sleeve joint can be used in the case of an irregular distance of the rods in a longitudinal direction as well as in the case of a misalignment of the rods in a transversal direction and also in the case of an angular distortion of the rods. For example, rods with a diameter of 50 mm can be coupled this way. However, rods with a different diameter could also be coupled, with the coupling elements simply needing to be designed in suitable fashion, for example with the same exterior diameters and different internal diameters adapted to the external diameters of the rods to be coupled. It is also conceivable to couple not only round but also square or multi-sided rods with each other or with round rods.

For a secure coupling of the rods, the fixation elements are first screwed onto the ends of the threaded rods to a sufficient distance, subsequently, the coupling elements are screwed onto the ends of the threaded rods, then the retaining elements are arranged around the coupling elements, and finally the fixation elements are screwed back in the direction of the ends of the threaded rods so that an engagement occurs with the retaining elements. In a coupled state, the coupling elements are lying securely in the hollow space formed by the retaining elements, preferably abutting the stoppers of the retaining elements.

There are now various options to further design and develop the idea of the invention at hand. To this end, reference must be made, on the one hand, to the subordinate patent claims and on the other hand, to the explanations below of two embodiments of the device in accordance with the invention by way of the drawings. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the device in accordance with the invention by way of the drawing, generally preferred models and further developments of the idea will be explained as well. Shown in the drawings are:

FIG. 1 In a partially cut off lateral view as well as in a frontal view, an embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention for the coupling of two components, with a fixation element of the device being shown additionally in a lateral view in the right part of the figure,

FIG. 2 In a partially cut off lateral view as well as in a frontal view, the connection element of the device formed by two retaining elements from FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 In a partially cut off lateral view as well as in a frontal view, a coupling element of the device from FIG. 1, and

FIG. 4 In a partially cut off lateral view an additional embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention for the coupling of two components.

FIG. 1 shows in the left half of the figure, in a schematic and partially cut off lateral view, an embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention for the coupling of two components 1 and 2. The components 1 and 2 are formed by threaded rods. The device has two coupling elements 3 arrangeable at the two ends of the components 1 and 2 and one connecting element 4 that can be engaged with the coupling elements 3. With regard to a secure coupling of the components 1 and 2, the connecting element 4 has at least two retaining elements 5 that can be arranged to each other to encompass the coupling elements 3 and that can be fixed in place to each other by means of a clamping device 6.

The coupling elements 3 each have an interior thread to accept the threads 7 of the components 1 and 2. The coupling elements 3 are essentially cylinder-shaped with an interior thread arranged in a longitudinal direction.

The retaining elements 5 are essentially formed as half shells with a hollow space 8 which the coupling elements 3 abut. The retaining elements 5 have an internal stopper 9 at each of their opposite ends, in each case for one coupling element 3. The retaining elements 5 have at each of their opposite ends a recess 10 that the components 1 and 2 formed as threaded rods can be stuck through.

In order to engage with the clamping device 6, the retaining elements 5 each have at their opposite ends a conical surface 11. The clamping device 6 has two fixation elements 12, each of which can be engaged with the ends of the retaining elements 5 and that have a conical interior surface 13 that can be engaged with the conical surface 11. The fixation elements 12 each have an interior thread as well that can be screwed onto the threads provided at the ends of the components 1 and 2.

The fixation elements 12 have an engagement mechanism designed as an exterior hexagonal head which allows a simple rotation of the retaining element 12 on the thread 7.

The right part of FIG. 1 shows, on the one hand, the embodiment example in a frontal view, with the fixation element 12 with the exterior hexagonal head 4 being recognizable. On the other hand, the right half of FIG. 1 shows the fixation element 12 once again in a partially cut off representation, with the conical interior surface 13 being particularly easily recognizable.

For a coupling of the components 1 and 2 formed as threaded rods, the fixation element 12 is first screwed onto the thread of the components 1 and 2. This occurs to the extent that sufficient space will be left for the coupling elements 3 to be screwed on and for the attachment of the retaining elements 5. To keep the components 1 and 2 in place, the fixation elements 12 are again screwed in the direction of the ends of the components 1 and 2 so that the conical surfaces 11 and 13 are again engaged with each other and the retaining elements 5 are braced against each other. To this end, the coupling elements 3 screwed onto the ends of the components 1 and 2 are arranged in the hollow space 8 of the retaining elements 5, with the components 1 and 2 extending through the recesses 10 and the fixation elements 12 extending into exterior area of the device.

FIG. 2 shows in a schematic and partially cut off lateral view the two retaining elements 5 of the device. The retaining elements 5 are essentially formed as half shells with a hollow space 8. At their ends, semicircular recesses 10 are formed for the components 1 and 2.

The right-hand area of FIG. 2 shows in a frontal view the retaining elements 5 arranged against each other. Here, one looks, on the one hand, through the recess 10 and, on the other hand, at the conical surface 11. FIG. 3 shows in a schematic and partially cut-off lateral view as well as in a frontal view the coupling element 3. The coupling element 3 is essentially cylindrically shaped, with an interior thread formed in longitudinal direction.

In the embodiment shown here, the retaining elements 5 are formed as semicylindrical shells with openings or recesses 10 for the components 1 and 2 to be coupled and a deepened hollow space 8 adjoining the openings or recesses 10 for the coupling elements 3. In a coupled state of the components 1 and 2, the retaining elements 5 together with the fixation elements 12 essentially form a circular cylinder. The hollow space 8 formed in the retaining element is shaped cylindrically as well.

FIG. 4 shows in a schematic and partially cut-off lateral view another embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention for the coupling of two components 1 and 2. The fundamental arrangement of this device corresponds the first embodiment to the effect that with regard thereto, reference may be made to the prior description of the figures of the first embodiment.

The difference between the first embodiment and the second one lies in the fact that a misalignment 15 or, respectively, 16, adjoins the conical surface 11 and the conical interior surface 13 of the retaining element 5 and of the fixation element 12.

The misalignment 15 and the misalignment 16 consist in effect of a stage formed in each case complementarily to the other misalignment. Thus, even during a minor axial dislocation of the component 1 or 2, for example during a bursting of the threaded connection between the coupling element 3 and the component 1 or 2, an arrangement of the fixation element 12 on the retaining elements 5 protected from a radial movement will still be assured. The misalignment 15 and the misalignment 16 extend in annular fashion around the components 1 and 2. An annular gap 20 extending radially is formed between the misalignment 15 and the misalignment to the effect that the bracing process exerted on the retaining elements 12 by the fixation element 12 will not be stopped due to a contact between the fixation element 12 and the retaining elements 5 in the area of the misalignments 15 and 16.

Moreover, the second example of an embodiment shown in FIG. 4 has a clamping device 17 to fixate the retaining elements 5 against each other. The clamping device 17 is formed by a bolt that can be stuck through openings 19 in the retaining elements 5.

Finally, the coupling elements 3 of the second embodiment are also equipped with recesses 18 for a tool. This facilitates the screwing of the coupling elements 3 onto the components 1 and 2.

With regard to any further designs of the device in accordance with the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description as well as to the attached patent claims so as to avoid any repetitions.

Finally, expressed reference be made to the fact that the embodiments described above merely serve to explain the novel idea as claimed but do not limit it to these embodiments. 

1-18. (canceled)
 19. Device for coupling two components (1, 2), in particular two rods or bars, with two coupling parts (3), each arrangeable at the ends of the components (1, 2) that are to be coupled, and a connecting element (4) that can be engaged with the coupling parts (3), with the connecting element (4) having at least two retaining elements (5) that can be arranged on each other to encompass the coupling parts (3) and that can be fixed in place by means of at least a clamping device (6), with the retaining elements (5) having at its opposite ends a surface (11) suitable to brace with the clamping device (6) and with the surface (11) having an angular or spherical or at least partially conical shape, characterized by the fact that the clamping device (6) has two fixation elements (12) each of which can be engaged with the ends of the retaining elements (5) and that the fixation elements (12) each have an interior thread to be screwed onto threads (7) formed at the ends of the components (1, 2) and an angular or spherical or conical interior surface to engage with one of the surfaces (11).
 20. Device in accordance with claim 19, characterized by the fact that the coupling elements (3) each have a thread to be screwed onto threads (7) formed at the ends of the components (1, 2).
 21. Device in accordance with claim 20, characterized by the fact that the coupling elements (3) essentially are shaped cylindrical, with an internal thread in longitudinal direction.
 22. Device in accordance with claim 19, characterized by the fact that the coupling elements (3) are formed as nuts and/or have a recess (18) for a tool.
 23. Device in accordance with claim 19, characterized by the fact that the retaining elements (5) are essentially formed as half shells with a hollow space (8).
 24. Device in accordance with claim 19, characterized by the fact that the retaining elements (5) have an internal stopper (9) at each of their opposite ends for a coupling element (3).
 25. Device in accordance with claim 19, characterized by the fact that the retaining elements (5) have a recess (10) at each of their opposite ends.
 26. Device in accordance with claim 19, characterized by the fact that the retaining elements (5)—preferably abutting the surface (11)—have a misalignment (15) or stopper.
 27. Device in accordance with claim 19, characterized by the fact that a clamping device (17) for the fixation of the retaining elements (5) to each other is allocated the retaining elements (5).
 28. Device in accordance with claim 27, characterized by the fact that the clamping device (17) has a sleeve encompassing the retaining elements (5) or a pin that can be stuck through openings (19) in the retaining elements (5).
 29. Device in accordance with claim 19, characterized by the fact that the fixation elements (12) each have a misalignment (16) or a stopper.
 30. Device in accordance with claim 19, characterized by the fact that the fixation elements (12) have a provision for the application of a tool.
 31. Device in accordance with claim 30, characterized by the fact that the provision has an exterior hexagonal head (14). 